"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[nickinwestwales]

Evenin fella`s,just stopped by to throw some captions at the pix,so before I forget:-
1-Vallee Jct,Quebec Central ( C.P. subs)July 1st,1954-This struck me as an `Our Place` kind of pic,the sort of `vibe` [4:-)]TOM would approve
2-Sudbury,C.P.R-Eastbound `Canadian`,Canada Day,1986
3-Ramore sub,O.N.R-#47,North Bay-Timmins,mid 50`s-Love that paint on those F.P7`s[^]
4-A Welsh assortment,clockwise fr t.lft -Festiniog Rly #4`Palmerston` at Newcastle Emlyn,Teifi Valley Rly-mid nineties,Vale of Rheidol #9 `Owain Glyndwr`.Aber.-early nineties,Welshpool & Llanfair #2 `The Countess`,Llanfair Caereinion-early 90`s,Mystery engine-spotted in the Welsh Highland Rly yard at Portmadoc,looks like the Hunslet`s made for war service but without the 3rd coupled axle.-I suspect that if she could tell her tale,it would be in the accent of a former British colony
5-Another `military` engine,Ex MoS J94 `Errol Lonsdale`-Gwili Rly,spr 03
6-We are on the shore of Bala Lake here,the first train of the day is running round whilst crossing the P.Way diesel,hiding behind the steam
Llanberis and Yr Wyddfa ( Snowdon) are lost in the mists,next we have the balanced funicular that served some of the galleries. 7- running round again,back at Llanberis-in 20 minutes the weather had changed completely, so on to the Festiniog,Double Fairlie `David Lloyd George` making up train at Portmadoc
8-As above,plus shot from footbridge at Tan-Y-Bwlch of departing train.
9-Welsh Highland Railway ( northern part) Ex-South African Funkey Bo-Bo at Dinas Jn & running around at Waunfawr with the brooding bulk of Snowdon for a backdrop.

[4:-)]TOM-I dont know how you do it, I`ve just been to look at the photo site-they look better than the originals,nice one mate-big thanks[tup][^][tup]
Will look in in the morning,when we are open,and check out all the other pix-for now,I got stuff,I`m outa here,nick [C=:-)]
We now move on to the Festiniog

[trolleyboy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ftwNSengineer

How about a jack and coke here?
Just drug in a coal train, been a long night.
I did see something interesting though. I was in the yard and saw one of the Brown
Trailer train flats (1960s) I didnt think there were any of those left.

Hey thank's for stopping by again, loved your picture that you posted as well.Speaking of old interesting rolling stock, last week in the yard by our Via station we has a Cylindrical hopper still painted with the "wabash follow the flag" paint job and logo's.

Well a couple of photo's for eveyone.




Shot of H5 Hudson as seen today stuffed and mounted at the Elgin Couty railway museum in St Thomas ontario ( only survivor of class )




Mountain 6060 still in service today in excursion service in Alberta. Last of the Bullet nosed Betty's




CP Hudson rebuilt for service in 2001/2002 on first cross country tour in the summer of 2003. Milton Ontario



photo of cn's bayview junction in Burlington on.



cn train passing through bayview jct.




cp train passing under high level bridge (plains road ) approaching bayview jct.



With all the talk of inspection cars latley, here's OSR's car at Guelph jct

[trolleyboy]

Afternoon gentlemen. Been a bad net conection day so i haven't been able to puruse everything. a couple of responces anyhow.


Tom Thanks for the reroll on the CN/CP hotels,hgood stuff even the second time around. I'll just grab a tea today though gots to work again tonight. [sigh] I'm glad that BK able to come and go as he pleases and still make money,got to find me a job like that [tup][swg]



Nick Nice menu but for the spam , I'm with Tom that stuff is not fit for man nor beast ( well Boris does like it so for Boris maybe ) Also I'm glad H&H were able to make it back home. I would have loved to see the figure head shots.Hmmm on second thought maybe not[:O] Also I'm glad I was in the head while the nipple expose was occuring [:O] No human needed to see that,even Boris was fightened took at least 4 blue pills to calm him. Tex has been in a catatonic state ( rolled up in a ball ) ever since as well. Some spam and K ration casarole should snap the two of them out of it though. [swg][:-^]


Doug nother good article interesting to see that track walking to a certain degree still happens,figured it would have all gone by the way of the highrail truck by now.Nice job with capturing Tom's best side BTW [:D]


Al Another fine couple of streamliner info spots. I didn't figure that you would give us all the poop up front [tup] I do remember hearing about the TTC trying to move buses onto the queen route,tried for it on St Clair and Spadina as well. The streetcars did however prove to be more flexible. St Clair has recieved a partial private ROW ( raised center lane ) looks as though Spadina is to get the same treatment finally as well. ( some residents are still fighting that though, likely the hummer owning soccer mom set )

Ted [/d] Yup that romanian site was quite good. Interesting contraptions those three door trolley busses.You need to make up post cards of sleighs flying over the palm trees.that ought to confuse Boris for sure [swg]

[b]Mike Nice bit of civil war info on the CV and pres Lincoln. I'll poke about and see if i have any good shots of the 81" drivered H5 hudsons for you. Thanks for the url's , I exited out before I got the whole picture unfortunatly my diakl up kept crashing on it,I'm sure the shots were good though. [tup]

[Anonymous]

Great colo(u)r and compostion with your pix Nick. Fine combined effort with Tom...what a team!

[passengerfan]

Great photos Nick and thanks for posting them Tom.

[siberianmo]

Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s we do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!!

Here are 9 pix from Nick for this fine day:

click to enlarge

#1


#2


#3


#4


#5


#6


#7


#8


#9



Go to http://photobucket.com/albums/b222/siberianmo/Nicks%20pix/ to see the rest of Nick’s Pix!

Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

REMINDER! Read the SUMMARY!

[Anonymous]

Just took a peek to see how Photos are progressing. Good things from the Can-Am and S'capades and a two soul wrenching shots by Barndad, neat E-7 from ftwNSengineer. I'll drop back later for more goodies. Sure appreciate you guy's extra effort on a quiet Sunday afternoon[tup].

[passengerfan]

Good Mornig Tom and the rest of the gang. I know we are closed on Sunday but juts wanted to thank Barndad Doug for the trackwalker article. I still have evey copy Vintage Rail magazine it was to bad they quit.

Tom I agree with you whole heartedly about no Spam on the menu. For some reason my Dad a WW II veteran liked the stuff and god knows he ate enough during the war. For some reason he thought it would help his two growing sons and their was not a week went by it wasn't on the menu at least twice. My mother wouldn't touch the stuff the only intelligent one in the family.

By the way Tom sure like the looks of your S-Gauge especially the IC streamliner.

PASSENGER FAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #15

CONGRESSIONAL trains 124-131 and 152-153 inaugurated as complete streamliners March 17, 1952. New York - Washington two round trips daily. 226.6 miles each way 4 hours 30 minutes each way.

The Pennsylvania Railroads finest train between New York and Washington had been the CONGRESSIONAL for many years but refurbished and railroad built cars did not a streamliner make. Remember at this time the PRR still had competition from the B&O between Washington and New York.

In January 1950 the PRR ordered four trains from Budd in Philadelphia that would once and for all decide who had the finest trains operating in the Northeast Corridor. Two of the new Budd built streamliners were to be named the SENATORS for service between Washington - New York - Boston with the NYNH&H operating the trains north of New York. Two sest of equipment were needed for servioce in each direction daily.

Though the equipment for the SENATOR was excellent that for the new CONGRESSIONALS was superb providing the finest day trains to operate in the Corridor. The Pennsylvania spared no expense on the new trains. Each CONGRESSIONAL was built as an eighteen car train and was designed to attract the leaders of industry and politicians to ride the finest available between the two cities. This was in the days before their were shuttles flying between the cities and the piston engine planes flying between Washington and New York by the time one took a taxi to and from the airports was not much faster than the trains. The new trains were also bult to serve the leaders of the world from the United Nations building in New York to the Capital in Washington.

The new trains were delivered in March 1952 and entered service with much fanfare on March 17, 1952. The PRR went so far as two assign two recently shopped freshly painted GG-1 Electrics as power for the inaugural trains. The Budd cars were stainless steel with a letterboard above the windows painted tuscan red with yellow lettering.

The CONGRESSIONAL accommodated 480 coach passengers and 223 parlor car patrons. The trains were also equipped with the only Conference Room cars ever built for any railroad. Many company board meetings and other business was conducted as the trains sped between Washington and New York in these cars.

CONSIST ONE DEPARTING WASHINGTON

4839 PRR GG-1 Electric Passenger Locomotive

1568 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1569 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1570 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1571 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1153 18-Seat Lunch Counter 22-Seat Tavern Lounge Car

1572 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1573 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1574 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1575 60-Revenue Seat Coach

4624 72-Seat Dining Room Car

4625 Kitchen Bar 21-Seat Lounge Car

7147 THOMAS A. EDISON 7- Parlor Conference Room Car With Telephone Room

7130 CASIMAR PULASKI 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7131 GENERAL LAFAYETTE 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7132 HENRY KNOX 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Seat Parlor Drawingr Room

7133 JOHAN PRINTZ 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7134 JOHNS HOPKINS 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7128 GEORGE WASHINGTON 18-Revenue Seat Parlor Buffet 25-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST TWO DEPARING NEW YORK

4847 PRR GG-1 Electric Passenger Locomotive

1576 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1577 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1578 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1579 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1154 18-Seat Lunch Counter Bar 21-Seat Tavern Lounge Car

1580 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1581 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1582 60-Revenue Seat Coach

1583 60-Revenue Seat Coach

4626 72-Seat Dining Room Car

4627 Kitchen Bar 21-Seat Lounge Car

7146 MATHIAS W. BALDWIN 7-Conference Room Parlor Car with Telephone Room

7135 LEONARD CALVERT 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Revenue Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7136 ROBERT MORRIS 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Revenue Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7137 WILLIAM PENN 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Revenue Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7143 MOLLY PITCHER 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Revenue Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7145 BETSY ROSS 29-Revenue Seat Parlor Car with 5-Seat Parlor Drawing Room

7129 ALEXANDER HAMILTON 18-Revenue Seat Parlor Buffet 25-Seat Lounge Observation

TTFN AL

[siberianmo]

Even though ”Our” Place is CLOSED on SUNDAY’s we do observe Sunday Photo Posting Day!!

Here are some Pix of the progress with the S Capades layout and a couple of shots from the Can-Am RR right-of-way:

Landscape progress on the S Capades!


Landscape progress on the S Capades!


Ground level on the S-Capades!


Landscape progress on the S-Capades!


Motive power on the S-Capades!


Ground level on the S-Capades!


ONE OF MY FAVORITE SCENES: Mountain right-of-way on the Can-Am RR!


ANOTHER OF MY FAVORITE SCENES: Dual track mainline on the Can-Am RR!



That’s it – Enjoy!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

REMINDER! Read the SUMMARY!

[siberianmo]

SUNDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We are CLOSED on SUNDAY! However, it is SUNDAY PHOTO POSTING DAY! For those who have something to say, drop off your Posts through the slots in either set of front doors! [tup] Remember: This is a day for pix, not narratives! [swg]

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction. [swg]

Info for the Day:

We open up at 6 AM, Monday morning! (All time zones, don’t ask how we do that!) [swg]

SUMMARY

Name …..…………… Date/Time …..…..………. (Page#) .. Remarks

(1) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 00:21:57 (174) Saturday’s Info & Summary

(2) trolleyboy Rob Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 00:42:51 (174) Inclusive Post!

(3) barndad Doug Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 06:59:54 (174) PRR Poster, etc.

(4) passengerfan Al Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 07:38:51 (174) Streamliner #14 – Southerners

(5) Theodorebear Ted Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 07:45:22 (174)

(6) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 08:35:21 (174) Acknowledgments, etc.

(7) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 08:52:02 (174) ENCORE! Nostalgia #3 – CP Hotels/Lodges

(8) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 11:32:11 (174) Inclusive Post, etc.

(9) barndad Doug Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 11:41:43 (174) Pix

(10) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 11:49:07 (174) reply to earlydiesels

(11) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 11:55:06 (174) reply to barndad

(12) wanswheel Mike Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 14:11:13 (174) Inclusive Post, etc.

(13) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 15:30:36 (174) reply to: wanswheel

(14) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 15:35:51 (174) ENCORE! Nostalgia #4 – CNR Hotels

(15) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 19:01:35 (174) Inclusive Post, etc.

(16) earlydiesels Dan Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 19:45:48 (174)

(17) barndad Doug Posted: 26 Nov 2005 20:19:06 (174) Waling the Track, Part I, etc.

(18) nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 20:24:06 (174) Menu!

(19) siberianmo Tom Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 21:12:34 (174) Acknowledgments, etc.

(20) ftwNSengineer
Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 23:13:17 (175) Last call!

=======================================
That’s it! [tup][;)]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]
Proprietor of “Our” Place, an adult eating & drinking establishment!

[Anonymous]

Here's Part III of my Trackwalker series:

Walking the Track by John White Jr. From Vintage Rails magazine Mar/Apr 1998

Every efficient business seeks to reduce its number of employees while maintaining the quality of his product. Railroads are no different. The long-term rise in wages and benefits costs have accelerated this process. Some jobs disappear because they become obsolete, as was the case of the trackwalker. As early as 1903, W.H. Camp said railroads were gradually eliminating the trackwalkers, primarily because the introduction of steel rails had made track so much more durable and safe. The section foreman took over the duties of the walker and often made inspection on a hand car. Yet it was considered prudent to patrol dangerous or troublesome sections the old-fashioned way, so the trackwalker did not disappear for some years to come.

Still, labor costs kept the pressure on to eliminate workers. In the 19th century, most track workers were dollar-a-day laborers. By 1916, the average wage for railroad workers had crept up to 28 cents an hour, and by 1941 it was 85 cents. Unions pushed for retirement and health benefits. The 40-hour work week and minimum wage created two more reasons to cut jobs. Railroad managers sought ways to downsize. The most direct way to do this was through technological changes. Diesel locomotives led to the closure of many maintenance shops and so reduced employment by the thousands. Track maintenance mechanization ended the traditional hard labor of the section gang. Advancing technology also made track stronger, more reliable, and less the collection of loose parts that it formerly had been. Welded rail replaced dubious fishplates, bolts, and washers. Screw or clip spikes did a far better job of holding rails in place. Better quality controls at rail mills and superior methods of inspection before the rail entered service greatly reduced the number of rail failures. Track inspection cars, such a s those operated by Sperry Rail Service starting in 1928, made rail inspection more of a science and less of a handicraft service. Simultaneously, many other tasks one attended to by the trackwalker began to disappear as well. Switch stand lamps were electrified, wire fences hooked into the signaling system alerted crews to rockslides, and propane heaters kept switch frogs clear of ice.

Yet, for all of these remarkable developments, some railroad managers believed the trackwalker was essential to railroad safety and that nothing could replace the attentive gaze of a good man moving slowly down the track on foot. Tom Arnold, a B&O brakeman who retired in 1976, told me in a 1995 interview that there were no trackwalkers when he started work in 1936. However, his knowledge was limited to the Baltimore area, and it is possible that the B&O had trackwalkers on the more mountainous divisions to the west.

At least one western railroad, the Southern Pacific, had a few trackwalkers on the staff in 1949-50, for Richard Steinheimer photographed one of them at work. The picture (bottom of Part II of this series) is reproduced in Lucius Beebe’s Central Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads (1963).

The Lackawanna replaced most trackwalkers with motor cars around 1940, but it retained them on one electrified commuter portion of the line in New Jersey until at least 1969 and perhaps beyond that date, according to Perry M. Shoemaker, a former DL&W president. In a similar manner, the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey retained the use of trackwalkers on the New Jersey City to Elizabethport section of the line also until the late 1960s. The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum states that the Penn Central used trackwalkers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, area until the early 1970s.

Perhaps the walkers maintained the plodding inspection duties elsewhere on the American railroad network until a later date, but if so, we have found no evidence to confirm such activity. Just where and when the last walker made his final hike is to remain a mystery. Today such jaunts are mode from the comfort of Hi-Rail vehicles. Truck inspectors now must get their exercise at the gym instead of on the job.

[red p]

well heres my offering for the day


PC4035 Elkhart, IN 3/70

[Anonymous]

Good morning all! Here's the second part of my Trackwalking acticle:


Walking the Track by John White Jr. From Vintage Rails magazine Mar/Apr 1998

Even when the force of nature relented, the trackwalker had ample duties to keep him occupied. He was basically an inspector, and like the cop on the beat, he came to know every nook and cranny on his part of the line. His main focus was on the condition of the track. Was anything broken, loose or missing that might endanger a train? He would fix small items on the spot. Loose spikes were tapped down; loose joint nut were tightened. Debris was picked up and thrown clear of the track. He checked frogs, switch points, and switch stands. He cleared ice or junk from frogs or guard rails or roadway crossings with the claw end of his long handled hammer. In winter he swept these same groove ways clear of snow – a broom became standard equipment on snowy days. He looked for broken signals and fencing. He made sure fence gates were closed and secure to keep cattle off the tracks. Hogs and cattle tended to roam, seeking feed or just trying to escape the insects that inhabit grass and bushes. The track, being clear, offered the animals a respite from insect bites; yet the poor beasts did not comprehend that this “safe” area was actually intended for the passage of trains and not the accommodation of livestock. If the walker could not drive the animals away, he would at least advise the dispatcher via telegraph that cattle were on the track at milepost 102, for example.

As the trackwalker approached a siding, he looked for cars overhanging the therefore fouling the main line. He saw that the derail switches were properly lined and locked. It was also his job to clean up ashes dumped on the main line at the water tanks. Firemen would sometimes shake the locomotive grates while filling the tender tank, and such debris was considered a hazard. There seemed no end to his duties, but just to make sure he did not waste the company’s time, they made him a lamp tender, too. Every switch had a kerosene lamp, and it was his job to extingui***hese lamps in morning and refill the oil, trim the wicks, and then relight them in the afternoon. If there were many lamps or if they were widely scattered, the walker was sometimes furnished with a three-wheeled handcar (called a velocipede) to speed the lamp-tending part of his job. The lamp tender was instructed to run his vehicle, if possible, toward approaching trains so that he was not entirely dependent on his hearing to sense oncoming danger.

We must come back to the chief duty of the trackwalker, which was to prevent accidents. No matter what the problem, large or small, his basic job was to warn or stop trains before accidents occurred. If there was a small defect, such as a loose spike, he was expected to fix it. But then let’s say he came upon a washout, or a broken switch frog, or some other defect beyond his capacity to correct. What was he to do? Run off and report the problem to his boss, the section gang leader? No, indeed. He was to stand and flag down trains. He knew to place torpedoes at proper distances from the obstructions, just in case an engine crew failed to see his flag signal. Once traffic was stopped, there would be time to call for help.

Clearly, this job called for judgment and a calm, mature nature and not some hyper schoolboy type who would run off wanting Mom or Dad to tell him what to do next. For this reason, the section boss always picked his best man for the job of trackwalker. It was a position of trust. The best man was sober, trustworthy, and reliable. He was not a dreamer or a thinker, but a down-to-earth sort of fellow who concentrated on the job at hand and nothing else. He was not bored by the routine of his occupation. The repetition of going over the same four miles of track seven days a week did not dull his attention. He looked with open eyes at every detail as he walked along.

The trackwalker carried only necessary tools: a wrench, a hammer, and a flagman’s shoulder bag that held torpedoes, fusees, a red flag, and a few nuts, bolts, and spikes. In areas where rockslides were common, his bag would hold a few sticks of blasting powder to blow up the larger rocks. He carried a watch and an employee’s timetable in order to know what trains to expect. A broom was added to his equipment during the snow season. If he was on night shift, his load would be considerably lighter. He carried a lantern and the flagman’s bag but left the heavy tools back at the tool shed. The night man’s beat was surely a solitary task, for most folks were at home in bed. To stay awake, the trackwalker would occasionally stop at a cold string along the line to splash his face. He had only the company of the owl. And then out of the stillness would come an express. The inspector stepped aside. He was an anonymous blur or speck of light to passengers inside the train – this little nobody of a man who helped them pass safely.

The day ma was scheduled to start his inspection just before the first major passenger train of the day passed over his section. In this way, a safe track was more or less assured for the passengers. On a busy main line, he would walk over the section twice each way for a total of 16 to 20 miles. This required six to seven hours. In 1900, a work day was 10 hours, so when his walking duties were over, he would report to the section gang boss and work with the track crew to fill out his time.

The dress of the trackwalker was befitting of a working man. Dungarees or old pants and a coat plus heavy shoes were his usual attire. Yet there were a few dandies even among these rustic folks. One such gent is pictured in Hunger-ford’s The Modern Railroad on page 209, wearing a dark jacket with a double row of buttons and a smart looking billed cap with a large polished brass hat badge.

Just how many trackwalkers were employed on U.S. railroads is poorly documented. The number of track workers is very much a matter of record. The following table gives a clear picture of the decline of the track workers on U.S. railroads:

Year Track Workers Total RR Employees
1905 -- 349,000 -- 1,382,000
1920 -- 480,000 -- 2,022,000
1929 -- 435,000 -- 1,660,000
1943 -- 274,000 -- 1,355,000
1961 -- 105,000 -- 717,000
1976 -- 86,000 -- 482,000
1990 -- 47,000 -- 230,000

We can deduce a rough estimate of trackwalkers from these numbers. Let us agree that a typical section gang comprised eight men including the foreman. If one of the gang was a trackwalker, or even if he was an extra ninth man, it’s fairly easy to calculate that just over 10 percent of the track workers served as trackwalkers.



[:I] Hope you enjoyed Part II ! [:I]

[red p]

How about a jack and coke here?
Just drug in a coal train, been a long night.
I did see something interesting though. I was in the yard and saw one of the Brown
Trailer train flats (1960s) I didnt think there were any of those left.

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ Gents!

Some info that needs to be periodically Posted:

The Food Service at ”Our” Place –

…Monday thru Saturday: Light breakfasts – bakery goods from The Mentor Village Bakery and sandwiches all day long made from the freshest lunchmeats in the county along with freshly baked bread for the grinders/hoagies/heros/subs……
....NO evening meals Monday thru Wednesday.
…Thursday: Fish ‘n Chips nite and Nick’s Picks or whatever our Chief Chef [C=:-)] conjures up!.
…Friday: Pizza nite – Steak ‘n fries nite, and…….
…Saturday: Steak ‘n fries and …….


Also, “Nick’s House Rules” are officially adopted and have been posted in the pool room.

(1) All emotional baggage to be checked at the door.
(2) No ladies of negotiable affection before midnight.
(3) No whizzing in the spittoons at any time.
(4) The Ladies are always right, regardless of circumstance.
(5) Food available until Chef finds the bottle.
(6) Lightly oil & polish barmaids between shifts.


Comments:

I noted a request for SPAM a bit earlier …. We’ll have to discuss this with our Bar Chandler for unless there is some spirited away with those K-rations he found, we do not stock that item, deliberately. Anyone ‘round here who lived during WWII knows all about SPAM – it ain’t “glory food” in my humble opinion. Sorry, but it ain’t gonna be put on the menu [tdn]

Also, a bit surprised at the lack of response for the ENCORE! Posts. [%-)][%-)]


To the acknowledgments:

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 19:01:35

A nice aspect of sport is that some are wins, some are losses, and others are rained out. Over an 18-year span, it just had to be Wales’ turn, eh [?] Good show! [tup][tup] What kinda rowdy behavior followed the victory, if any [?] Just curious …..

Unless you have your own private stock of SPAM, there ain’t any stocked ‘round here! (See above …..) [tdn] We go from 5-star cuisine to bottom of the barrel in a heartbeat! [swg]

Spent a bit of time downloading and uploading your pix for the ‘morrow. All are ready to go …. [tup]

Good thing for those looking for more than “steak ‘n fries” tonight, for had you not shown up, that’s what would’ve been prepared. We are a bar ‘n grill – unless of course, our Chief Chief [C=:-)] is on aboard! [swg]

Thanx for the brew! [tup]

earlydiesels Dan Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 19:45:48

Two visits in one day AND back to orderin’ beer! Sounds to me like Dan’s back! [yeah] [tup][tup] Good show, Mate!

Your discussion of the Frisco diesel house brings to mind a word; change. It is a dynamic thing for sure and something none of us can prevent. We may not like it, nor support it, but it happens nonetheless. The past gets relegated to the pages of history, and if we are fortunate, in images as well. Structures, however, come ‘n go. Sad, no doubt. But that’s change.

I still think that 50 plus trains a day is phenomenal in this day ‘n age. You are living in a great place for train watching, no doubt. I’ve never gotten into that aspect of it all – I mean going out of my way to sit ‘n wait for a train to pass. I don’t knock those who do, but it’s just not something I’ve done. Of course had I been anywhere near that mainline between Halifax and Montreal when the 33-car Via Rail Remembrance Day Train passed by, I surely would have waited for that! [tup]

By the by, “Hey Porter!” is on the Juke – try G17. [swg]

barndad Doug Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 20:19:06

At the rate I’m going, I just may wind up being 1/87th my size one of these daze! [swg] Nicely done! [tup]

I understand your thinking regarding Sunday. However, as one who has “been” here every Sunday since we opened (with the exception of one while in Canada back in May), we do have quite a few who “read” what’s Posted. Anyway, I reiterate the purpose – we do NOT want to be like every other thread – our pix are reserved for one day per week and I hope the majority of us continue to hold to that idea. Actually, I’m referring more to the “spread” of pix, rather than an occasional one here or there – but then again, you know that.

In scanning through your epistle of tonight, looks like another “winnah!” fer sure, fer sure. [tup][tup] Too late for heavy readin’ for me – save it for the ‘morrow.

One of the reasons I created the Monday Index was to provide a way for those who missed “worthwhile” Posts to review them. Also gives a chance to look at ‘em again, for those who like to do those sorts of things as well. Your recent contributions are now “indexed.” [tup]

nickinwestwales Nick Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 20:24:06

What’s to say about THAT menu, other than, “chow time” boyz! [swg] [tup][tup][tup]


Looks like Leon the Night Man has arrived. That’s my ticket outta here – been a long, but busy day. Good show guys. Boris Ring the bell, drinks on the house!

Remember, we are CLOSED on Sundays and I hope we’ll see a bit more productivity from the guys for Sunday Photo Posting Day!


Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[nickinwestwales]

O.K gentlemen,I`ve had a root & rummage and find myself pleasantly suprised-so,if I could trouble you for another beer please [4:-)]TOM,oh,why not-lets have another rum as well,
We have:-
A couple of winter warmers first,as the weather seems to have turned:-
In the soup kettle today we have traditional French onion,todays hot bar-snack is a ham,cheese & mango chutney toastie ([yeah][tup][^][tup]OH[yeah] )
For those of you that fancy taking a booth and making a meal of it,so to speak, we have a few entree`s-
Button mushrooms paneed in garlic with cream & stilton sauce
Vegetable Samosas with lime pickle & cucumber raita
King Prawns with wasabi,Thai & Carribean dips

And for the main dishes,We have:-
Managers choice-12oz top Sirloin cooked med. well with Portobello mushroom & Burgundy sauce
Old Faithfull-16oz T-Bone cooked med. with grilled toms. onion rings & button mushrooms
[C=:-)]`s selection #1-honey-glazed duck ***,served pink,with Armagnac & black cherry sauce
The Five Star-( not for novice`s)-An 8oz rump,an 8oz gammon,2 lamb chops,2 pork chops,2 fried eggs (plus trimmings)
[C=:-)]`s choice #2...Butterfly pork chop with apricots & caramelised onions
Ribs`N`Bones party pack-a rack of lamb ribs,the same of pork with the cook-on sauce and a dozen chicken thighs with that finger lickin good stuff ( never did figure out what weird chemical they were testing out then )
Hmm-I seem to be wandering,off to the galley with me-I think we can call that a menu-if you want a dessert trolley,please invent your own,getting sleepy now,have a good one,nick[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Evening Tom, and glad you noticed the "something different" in the Our Place pic! I almost saved it for tomorrow, but I figured, why would there be so much activity at the bar on a Sunday? We're all supposed to be in Church, or a football game .. aren't we? Tell the truth now ... wouldn't it be great to be 1/87 your size and explore your layout?

Mike, I'm really enjoying your posts. Your links are always interesting, and you've got a lot to contribute as well!

Nick, I knew I could count on you to pick-up on the Monty Python spam skit. Your comments were too funny!

Al and Tom continue to keep this thread informative and great with their Nostalgia and Steamliner Corner articles.

Speaking of which ...I located another article I hope ya'll find interesting!


Walking the Track by John White Jr. From Vintage Rails magazine Mar/Apr 1998

It is difficult for modern railroaders to imagine the dozens of menial jobs once performed by station attendants, switch lamp tenders, and trackwalkwers. These low-paid workers performed their tasks in a dutiful manner, without the benefit of much education or training. The trackwalker was one of the most humble of these railroad workers. His occupation is largely forgotten today by an industry caught up in high technology, downsizing, job redundancy, and mergers.

But the trackwalker, as part of this lower class, was more than a rustic flunky who aimlessly wandered along the track tapping in a few loose spikes. In their day, these solitary figures were praised as guardians of the public safety. Edward Hungerford in his 19911 book The Modern Railroad said, “A good part of the railroad safety and the railroad responsibility rests upon his broad shoulders.” During the 1920’s and 1940’s, individual railroads even featured the good works of the trackwalkers in magazine advertisements.

When discussing a Pennsylvania Railroad campaign in 1926, Ivy Lee told representatives of the advertising agency about the importance of the trackwalkers’ inspection. “We have the road patrolled day and night by trackwalkers, and they are looking after the loose nuts or anything that affects the track, and you cannot supervise their work. You are dependent upon their efficiency and fidelity,” he said.

It is unlikely that we should ever uncover the name of the first trackwalker or even when this class of railroad employee first began service. The earliest instance for such a worker goes back to 1853 on the Pennsylvania Railroad. After 32 years of trudging up and down the tracks, this veteran was interviewed, but never named, by a newspaper reporter. The anonymous worker recalled the problems with iron rails during cold spells. Hunks of rail, some as long as three feet, would pop with a loud snap just like a musket shot. He once found three broken rails in one night. Sometime later, he found another broken rail and managed to flag down the Night Express just in time.

Walking the tracks required vigilance, not just to detect defective track, but to stay alive. Trains had a way of sneaking up behind a man. Our PRR veteran came close to meeting his maker one dark night, when a passenger train came upon him so close it clipped his coattails as he jumped to one side just in time. After 30-some years, our veteran grew too arthritic to tramp up and down the line, so the railroad magnanimously gave him a less strenuous job, for no one but the top brass retired during the Gilded Age.

Just why was it necessary to patrol every mile of mainline railroad in such an intense manner? Why were hundreds of men employed, at no little expense, to monitor every inch of track that carried more than a few trains a day? The answer lies in the nature of early track itself. For all of its ability to carry heavy and fast moving trains, railroad track was actually a fragile structure of many parts that tended to loosen and fall apart just with the normal passage of trains. Track, switches, guard rails, and other appendages associated with the right-of-way required constant adjustment and repair. Spikes pulled loose from the ties; track joint bolts vibrated and turned so that the nuts fell off. Rail joints, after so many years of flexing as cars wheels pounded over them, eventually fractured. Untreated ties, the norm before about 1920, might give six or seven years of service on a well-drained track before they rotted out. Should this occur below a joint – and there were 135 joints per mike per rail when 39-foot rail was standard – the unsupported joint or fishplate was likely to snap when subjected to a heavy load.

The weather was in many ways the track’s chief enemy, and every track worker learned to be on alert when storm clouds gathered or temperatures dropped. In the bad old days when wrought iron rails prevailed (1830-1890), the trackwalker prepared himself for a harvest of broken rails. During bitter, frosty periods, iron rails would pop and break without warning. Rails that looked like solid rods of iron were in fact cheap, laminated bars filled with hidden pockets of cinder and imperfect welds. Most of the rail was British and specially made to sell at low prices for the export market. It of course proved a poor bargain. W.H. Camp, in his 1903 book on track, confirmed the old veteran’s account, given earlier in the article, by saying that three or four broken iron rails a day was not uncommon in very cold periods. Conversely, on very hot days, rails tended to expand, pull up the spikes, and twist out of gauge, especially around curves. Stub switches were affected by hot weather too, and the trackwalker was required to check if they were working freely during his patrol. Thus the trackwalker learned to watch out for extremes in temperature – a sign of certain trouble.

Indeed, Mother Nature seemed determined to beat down the track with all of the considerable means within her realm. Rain, particularly early spring rains, would swell creeks and rivers to wash out embankments, bridges, and culverts. Trees and telegraph poles along streams were loosened by the rushing waters and seemed to have a perverse tendency to fall across and nearby track. Mud and rock slides were common after heavy rains. Roadbeds, if poorly ballasted or drained, became soft and spongy and so offered an unstable path for the iron horse. Untreated ties went soft when wet, allowing spikes to loosen and rails to spread out over gauge. Many railroads would temporarily double the number of trackwalkers during extreme weather, because so many track problems occurred during these periods. The avoidance of one wreck more than paid for the extra salaries involved. It was common practice to send out the trackwalkers following a major storm.

Dry spells were less troublesome times for railroad operations, yet even they caused problems. Fire was not a small concern. Wooden bridges and trackside structures became tinder-dry and therefore more combustible than ever. Brush fires could race along the tracks burning everything along the railroad’s property. In danger were not just the bridges and buildings, but also wooden cars parked on sidings, stores of ties set out along the line, and the telegraph poles. At the first sign of fire, the trackwalker knew it was urgent to get a message back to the section boss for help. Al all times, the trackwalker checked the water bottles stationed the length of trestles to make sure they were properly filled with water.

[:I] End of Part I [:I]

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone. Tom, I'll take a house draught and some peanuts, please. We got the lights hung up on our museum train. White stationery lights around all the cars and engine and white chasers around the loco's drivers. Looks surprisingly good and not too cheesy.
Found out today the former Frisco diesel house is being torn down. Drove by and only the back wall is left. Been vacant about 10 years or so. A private loco rebuilder was at one time looking to move in but opted out when it was discovered how much of a big haz mat mess it would be. One of my friends at the museum was telling about an experience a buddy had with the Santa Fe crew doing the demolition. Around here ever since ATSF took over BN, no one has any good to say about the Santa Fe side and most all the employees are downright hostile. My friends at the Midland can't understand why I dislike the Santa Fe so much. Now you know some of the reasons.Sorry Russell. Anyway, the diesel shop was state of the art when it was built in 1947 or 48. The Frisco was the first Class 1 to dieselize and needed repair shops. This building replaced at least 2 roundhouses and assorted other steam era necessities. BNSF still has a service track here and it stays busy with the 50+ trains a day thru here. Talk is the Cherokee sub ( to Oklahoma) is supposed to get busier.
I believe I'll take another house draught,Tom. With all the talk on the airways lately, I'm wanting to here some Johnny Cash. Caught a piece of "Hey, Porter" the other day so let's dig around to see if it is on Herr Wurlitzer's creation.
Nick, I learned how to work the public somewhat when I volunteered for the National Park Service. The problem will be how to punch tickets the way the Polar Express conductor did. And I don't sing and dance, either. Hot cocoa would probably be nice on the train next Saturday.
Borrowed some 1960s Trains magazines from the museum a while back for my winter reading. Just finished an excellent article on the CP's 2800s. The Hudsons and some Royal Hudsons. Great engines, ran great, looked great doing it, but my sense of esthetics thinks four coupled power looks better.

[nickinwestwales]

Well good evening gentlemen,thought I`d just pop in and check the galley ready for steak night,from what I remember of the fridges we could have some exotic specials tonight.
Well [4:-)]TOM,I`ll try a bottle whilst I build up my nerve-It`s always a pleasure to have an unlooked for night off,but it takes a day or two to get things back to where they usually are in the galley,so what time is it at your end of the counter-ah 5 0`clock-the cocktail hour in any civilised community [swg]-whats yer pleasure boss ?-to early for beer ?-you don`t strike me as a sherry sort of person-Ah !-the very thing,break out the reggae island special reserve rum-there`s a bottle down behind the till,the very thing to sharpen the appetite for a good steak dinner and the mind for the cut and thrust of informed debate [^]
Well,much rejoicing at this end-Wales beat Australia by 24-22 ( first time in 18 years )
-village suspiciously quiet,suspect rugby club stewardess has made heroic gesture and locked door with them all still in there,best of luck say I....
So-who`se been in,lets have a wee look:-
MIKE-Hi,have a nog on me[tup]-caught the reference to Essex Jn,there`s an article or two on a very nice `N` gauge model by Marty Mcguirk in the M.R.-I`m sure they have indices you can use-In fact I have most of them upstairs,I`ll try and find some time.
That 2nd loco pic url-wow,it loaded to a huge size,incredible detail--fine work there[tup][^][tup]
Whilst we are talking pics -DOUG -superlative cut & paste [bow][bow]-something lodged when I saw it but not until TOM mentioned it did the penny drop..top marks [^][swg][^]
As to your dinner request-as I`m sure you realise,anti-SPAM software has created something of a black market for this product ( nudge nudge,wink wink,saynahmore chief ).
However,we can offer : Spam,egg & chips
Spam,egg,beans & chips
Spam,beans,chips & Spam
Spam,Egg,Spam...................................aargh,stop me someone
MANAGER TED-Why thank you sir,most timely[tup]-your steak awaits,with full trimmings-let the girls know what time you wi***o dine-Nice job on Boris by the way[tup]-they`ll never spot him[:-^][C=:-)][alien][4:-)][:-^]...........
DAN-Hi there,glad you`re up an attem again-Go for it with the "Mr Conductor" gig-as TED will confirm,there`s no buzz like working an audience,particulaly one thats with you from the word go-Enjoy [^][tup]
BAR CHANDLER ROB-opposite shifts all weekend-at last we meet-top notch effort for celebration-H+H are to be particulaly commended,Indeed,I felt that their willingness to settle, beyond any reasonable doubt ,the track gangs long-running argument about nipple-piercing was beyond the call of duty,though none the less welcome for that [^]
Should they still require "fast passage",will have the Zeppelin "Draig Coch" standing by-Have spoken to Kapt & crew and are all in agreement-if H+H prepared to take it in turns to be figureheads they can fly home on a wage......hey,dont knock it-tax free is always good,right,out to the stove and sort out a menu,better take a bottle to go with-see you in a bit,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Posted on page 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #4

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956)

Did you know that the Canadian National Railways also owned and operated hotels in major cities along their main lines [?] Check these out:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CANADIAN NATIONAL HOTELS, LTD.

City...…………....…Name..…..……………Rooms..…..Open

Ottawa, ON.………. Chateau Laurier……… 550……… All year
Winnipeg, MN.…… The Fort Garry.………. 265...….... All year
Edmonton, AB.…… The MacDonald……... 480……… All year
Saskatoon, SK...… The Bessborough……. 260……… All year
Vancouver, BC.…... Hotel Vancouver.……. 560...…… All year
Halifax, NS.….…… The Nova Scotian…… 150.……… All year
Charlottetown, PE.. The Charlottetown…... 110……… All year
St. John’s, NL.…… Newfoundland Hotel… 140……… All year
Montreal, QC.……. Queen Elizabeth……... ----……… Under construction

Note: Hotel Vancouver operated jointly by CNR and CPR.


Enjoy! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

[siberianmo]

G'day Gents!

I see Mike has stopped by .... Let me address the last first: Yes, there happens to be a red flatbed, with a load of lumber, located back towards the truck terminal in the Mills Brothers Lumber Yard. Just not something evident in the photo spread. There are a couple of other flat beds located elsewhere on the layout.

Oh how I wi***hat my Lionel freight set from the 1948/49 vintage could reappear. You have something to build around - ever think of it that way [?] [swg] Interestingly by 1956, I was heading off to a long career in the service, and unbeknownst to me, the vestiges of childhood were to disappear forever. Story for 'nother time and place.

By the by, yes - we have egg nog - let me get the blender runnin' and I'll fix ya right up! [swg] Saturday's 'round here have been "historically" slow, that's kinda why the ENCORE! idea came along. But as you can see - I'm the only one "playing that hand." Happens a lot ...... but ya know what [?] If one doesn't try, then one will never know! [tup]

I don't recall ever seeing anyone drive around crossing gates until I moved to this part of the continent. Then again, I didn't live in a place where RR crossings were commonplace. Anyway, I was absolutely stunned by the numbers and frequency of drivers simply ignoring the oncoming train warnings. I also was aboard an Amtrak train that nailed a pickup at a rural crossing. Fortunately no one was hurt - except the truck. Went spinning off into a drainage ditch. Excuse from the driver [?] Thought he had plenty of time ...... guess he was wrong. Train 1, Driver 0. Happens every time.

Nice URL loco shots! Do you know where these were taken [?] Thanx! [tup][tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[wanswheel]

Hi Tom and gang, bah humbug, it's too early but have you got any eggnog?
If not, a diet Dr. Pep and a <light> pastry from the vill Bakery will do, if there's any.

Theory on grade crossings: More dangerous now than ever, because people are less aware of trains than ever. Years ago everybody rode trains, there were more of them, and far fewer automobiles.

Ted, my favorite mini-baron is J. Gregory Smith, founder of the CV and briefly president of NP during construction phase. His priorities were getting in on that huge land giveaway, and finding the best pass through the Rockies. I'm not up on all of this, but I think he was eased out of NP by a bigger baron after running low on funds. "Warm friend and supporter of Abraham Lincoln, he figured conspicuously in the presidential campaign of 1864, when George B. McClellan intrigued to gain the Democratic nomination and so achieve the downfall of Lincoln; he suceeded in breaking up a plot to unseat Lincoln. Largely because of this, in 1864, he was re-elected governor of Vermont by an increased majority and became much of a hero in the Green Mountain State." (from CV history "A Study in Human Effort). St. Albans, incidentally, is the site of the northernmost incident of the Civil War. Three Conferates raided the town and robbed the bank. And the CV was actually once the largest railroad in New England and 7th largest in the U.S.
Rob, 100 mph sounds good to me! Trying to picture an 81" driving wheel. Found a pick of the litter Hudson, perhaps you've seen it: http://www.threelittlekittens.com/pictures/vac2003/nether/p052.08.06.03.jpg
Loco in close-up: (slow loading for dial-ups though): http://theatreorgans.com/walnuthill/nethercutt10.jpg
Doug, always good to see the Broadway, great rival of NYC 20th Century Limited.
Tom, about Christmas: What I have left from Santa's generosity is a red 1956 Lionel switcher, LV 627. It is the entirety of my train collection. And about your layout in the basement: I don't see a flatbed lumber truck for the Mills Brothers to drive "once more round the block."

[siberianmo]

Yo! barndad Doug

Clever, very clever indeed! You, Sir, are a master at the digital imagery. [tup] Took "me"
from my signature photo and placed "me" on the front porch of the bar! Nicely done, fer sure, fer sure. (click to enlarge, for those who haven't caught on .....)

Perhaps things like this would be more appropriate for our Sunday Photo Posting Day! given that the last several weeks have been rather "thin" on the numbers of us participating. A huge reason for setting aside one day of the week for pix was to separate us out from the "mainstream" threads .......

However, one or two now 'n then surely doesn't hurt - especially when directed at the barkeep! [swg]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G'day!

I see earlydiesels Dan is amongst us once again! [tup] Good to see you and enjoy your contributions in conversation. [yeah]

I've said it several times on these pages, the Polar Express flick is one of the finest Christmas movies made and absolutely an outstanding job in realisitic animation. The train was a marvel to enjoy! [tup][tup] I run my Lionel O-gauge shelf system version about 2 or 3 times per week. Up against the "night sky" backdrop and the blue rope lighting, it looks great - kinda 'warm' just like the movie. For anyone unfamiliar with my shelf system - click on my cyber name - go to my photo album at RailImages.com and you'll be able to scroll through the pix .......

[yeah] I concur, one "cannot fix stupid," when it comes to the games people play at RR crossings.

Enjoy the day and weekend! Don't forget that tomorrow is Sunday Photo Posting Day!. Sure would be nice to get a few pix from YOU! [tup]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[Anonymous]

Good afternoon Tom and every.... hey ... where's our barkeep?


I guess I'll help myself then .....

Dan, I will surely take you up on your offer should my next EBay bid fail. I believe the auction has a few more days left. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Morning everyone. Tom, I'll take some hot, black coffee and some plain donuts, please. At one time I went thru training to be an Operation Lifesaver presenter and had access to the statistics among number of crossings per state but a fundamental disagreement with the "brass" ended that before I got certified( I am already certifiable!) Any one in train and engine service knows that it is only a matter of time before their train nails someone. Tom, the degree of stupidity that causes these people to the stunts they do around trains is nature's way of culling the herd.
Barndad, I can probably get that Abdill CW book for you thru the Midland's gift shop if you like. Let me know. While I'm on the subject, the correct author for the B&O CW book mentioned in a previous post is William Bain. At the risk of trusting the old gray matter again, I seem to remember that Walt Disney made a flick about James Andrews and his exploits with the locomotive General. Not all the Union soldiers who helped Andrews were hung. One, named Pittenger, wrote his account of the incident afterwards and some copies may be found in old bookstores or online.
Trainnut and ftwNSengineer, the Polar Express movie is worth watching. I have been thinking of getting a copy with the added features. The animation is so realistic that when we were watching it , the wife and I got goosebumps because of the realism. The detail is astounding compared to the manner Hollywood generally treats rail subjects. Of course, Pere Marquette 1225 is the star performer in my book. She is rendered quite well with only a couple of small alterations for the flick. I need to watch it again before next weekend so I can pick up some of the conductor's actions and phrases for the Midland's Christmas train. My instincts when working with the public tell me to anticipate being compared to the character in the movie.
Later today I am going to the local rail museum to help hang Christmas light on our train. We are close for the winter but like to decorate the driving wheels to imply action--something the steamer hasn't done in 52 years. We now have a website and I will get the address.

[siberianmo]

. . . . . . . . . . ENCORE! ENCORE! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Posted on page 121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Here’s something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains. Check this out (from The Official Guide of the Railways – 1956)

Perhaps no railroad anywhere rivaled the Canadian Pacific in terms of world wide excellence in serving the traveling public, whether by air, rail or sea. How many of you are aware of the CP’s great hotel and lodge network [?] These proprieties were built by and for CP according to their requirements and were situated at the key rail stops and vacation sites along their main lines.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CANADIAN PACIFIC HOTELS AND LODGES

City…………....…Name…..………………..Open

Kentville, NS…….Cornwallis, Inn………….All year
McAdam, NS…...McAdam Hotel………….All year
Quebec, QC…....Chateau Frontenac….....All year
Toronto, ON……..Royal York Hotel…….…All year
Winnipeg, MN…..Royal Alexandra Hotel…All year
Regina, SK………Hotel Saskatchewan…..All year
Calgary, AB……..Hotel Palliser……………All year
Victoria, BC….….Empress Hotel………….All year
Kenora, ON….….Devil’s Gap Lodge………June to September
Digby, NS…….…The Digby Pines………...June to September
Yarmouth, NS…..Lakeside Inn………….…June to September
St. Andrews, NB..The Algonquin Hotel……June to September
Banff, AB……..….Banff Springs Hotel..…..June to September
Lake Louise, AB..Chateau Lake Louise…..June to September
Reached from Lake Louise:
…………………..Moraine Lake Lodge…….June to September
Hector, BC……...Lake O’Hara Lodge.…….June to September
Hector, BC……..Lake Wapta Lodge………June to September
Field, BC……….Yoho Valley Lodge……...June to September
Vancouver, BC…Hotel Vancouver….……..All year

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

[siberianmo]

Mornin’ Guys!

Nice start to this 3rd Saturday in succession! Anyone else “feel” that way [?]

Some acknowledgments are in order:

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 00:42:51

Glad you are enjoying those NOSTALGIA pieces … wonder why the CP would “flick your switch”[?] [swg]

My guess is that BK may be away for awhile. He intimated that he’s in a position to take months (repeat – months) off from what he does to earn his keep. Imagine that! Nope, can’t. Anyway. he obviously has a way to communicate by Email, don’t know about web access. Some Email accounts don’t require internet connectivity (one of my accounts is that way).

barndad Doug Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 06:59:54

Grade crossings are indeed the nemesis for the railroads. Note, I’m rather unsympathetic with the fools who ignore the precautionary procedures. It may be anecdotal, but ever since I moved to this part of the continent (1977) I have been told by railroad personnel and travelers alike that Illinois is #1 in grade crossings with Missouri #2. Perhaps someone “knows” out there fer sure, fer sure.

Nice Poster! Broadway limited was surely a “class” train and PRR the class of the roads. [tup]

New home shopping can be hazardous to your wallet! [swg]

passengerfan Al Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 07:38:51

Nice work on your #14 – the Southerners! [tup][tup]

Theodorebear Ted Posted: 26 Nov 2005, 07:45:22

Price to pay, for whom[?] is the point!

West Coast S Dave isn’t lost to us, he’s in a period of difficulty right now and will be amongst us in time. Fret not.

This bar ‘n grill is CLOSED on CHRISTMAS Day. Best to remind one and all of that now that we are one month away from the cherished holiday. By the by, political correctness remains outside our doors and since this is my bar, that’s the way it will remain.

Okay, time to set about getting’ some Saturday chores done … or I should say, started! All the home decorations for Christmas are up, takes us three days to complete it all. The LGB’s are runnin’ just fine ‘round the tree. It’s “that time of the year” ‘round our haus. [tup][tup]

Later!

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

REMINDER: This is ENCORE! Saturday!

[Anonymous]

Good mornin' to you Saturday early show viewers. Tom, I'll hook a Bavarian cream and a cuppa Folgers unleaded. Yes, I see what you mean about the Summaries on a heavy traffic day. But, isn't that the price to pay for a popular, successful thread? I took Nick's advise and looked into the "Romanian Stuff" thread.[^] Definately worth while for those interested in central and eastern European rolling stock etc.,don't miss it. Rob, Nokia2010 has some fine shots of trolley buses around Roumania. The steam is largely of German influence while the Electrics faov(u)r Swiss and Swedish designs. Get-a-load of the Renault trolley buses with 3 door entry/exit, also the articulated variety is really neat. Anyone thinking of doing a "slot" version? LOL Rob, the same question: "why was the North Shore abandoned" could apply to dozens of rapid rail transit systems. We now see a return to LRV systems and wonder how we did without them, "curiouser and curiouser," isn't it?

Hey, I really miss rrwatkins *** and westcoast S Dave! The hoildays are nearly upon us and, hopefully, they will drop in for a drop of "Christmas cheer" (if i am allowed to make that reference). In spite of the carnage inflicted by rabid, maniacal X-mas shoppers, the "spirit" of the Holidays is finally taking hold. With apologies to any secular Iconoclasts out there; some traditions just "stand the test of time." Many folks hereabouts (FL.), "go flat out" with outdoor decorating and lighting. Somehow, even after 17 years, I can't get accustomed to 8 tiny Reindeer levitating over Royal Palm trees.[:O] Its a little like Ken, Barbie and a "X-Box" supplanting the 3 wise men in the Manger scene. Oh well, "To Each His Own" (popular song, circa 1940's)!

Since I'm totally [#offtopic] already, let the bell resound Boris! BAP Broke a nail, didn't you?[(-D][alien] Its going to be a 12 oz. Top Sirloin for me tonight, medium well, in a Porto Bello mushroom and Burgandy sauce. Happy Rails.

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Time for a cup of coffee and one of those diet pastries from the Mentor bakery.

Rob glad you enjoyed the Electroliner piece. Just thought I would let you know that the pieces are only excerpts from the book. Dont really give away all that much information. As to your question why was it discontinued, to put it bluntly American's love affair with the car. Iguess people would rather run bumber to bumper on the freeway at 15 mph during rush hour and listen to the radio than ride great systems like the CNS&M and Pacific Electric. Remeber all to well being in Longe Beach and riding the PE to downtown LA in 1 hour. They replaced the PE with buses they called the freeway flyers and guess what they took 1 and 1/2 hours to cover the same distance. This was progress in the early 1960's. Rememeber when the TTC consisdered buses on the Queen St. Line , in fact they even tried them but found when the buses were loading passengers at the curb motorists were not prone to let them back into traffic. The streetcars never had that problem that is why they remained on the Queen St. line. The bus experiment lasted about a week I believe and the other thing was during rush hours the PCC were run in pairs, Could carry a lot of passengers that way.

PASSENGERFAN AL'S STREAMLINER CORNER #14

SOUTHERNER Southern - Pennsylvania trains 47-48 between New York and New Orleans Seven Car Coach streamliner sinaugurated March 31, 1941 via Atlanta and Birmingham. 1,383.3 miles in 28 hours 25 minutes daily each direction.

The SOUTHERNERS were inaugurated March 3, 1941 using three Pullman Standard built stainless steel seven car coach streamliners powered by EMD E6A units south of Washington and PRR GG-!s north of Washington. Cars in the new streamliners were both numbered and named and many had the same car names.

CONSIST ONE

Unknown PRR GG-1 Electric Passenger Locomotive
(New York - Washington)

2800 EMD E6A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit
(Washington - New Orleans)

700 MISSISSIPPI Baggage 13-Crew Dormitory 22-Revenue Seat Coach

900 SOUTH CAROLINA 52-Revenue Seat Divided Coach

800 NORTH CAROLINA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

3300 VIRGINIA 48-Seat Dining Car

802 ALABAMA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

804 GEORGIA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

1100 LOUISIANA 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar Buffet Hostess Room 19-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST TWO

Unknown PRR GG-1 Electric Passenger Locomotive
(New York - Washington)

2801 EMD E6A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit
(Washington - New Orleans)

701 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Baggage 13-Crew Dormitory 22-Revenue Seat Coach

901 SOUTH CAROLINA 52-Revenue Seat Divided Coach

801 MARYLAND 56-Revenue Seat Coach

3301 VIRGINIA 48-Seat Dining Car

803 ALABAMA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

805 GEORGIA 56-Revenue Seat Coach

1101 LOUISIANA 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar Buffet Hostess Room 19-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST THREE

Unknown PRR GG-1 Electric Passenger Cab Unit
(New York - Washington)

2802 EMD E6A 2,000 HP Diesel Passenger Cab Unit

702 DELAWARE Baggage 13-Crew Dormitory 22-Revenue Seat Coach

902 SOUTH CAROLINA 52-Revenue Seat Divided Coach

4030 (PRR) 56-Revenue Seat Coach

3302 VIRGINIA 48-Seat Dining Car

4031 NEW JERSEY (PRR) 56-Revenue Seat Coach

4032 PENNSYLVANIA (PRR) 56-Revenue Seat Coach

1102 LOUISIANA 32-Seat Tavern Lounge Bar Buffet Hostess Room 19-Seat Lounge Observation

TTFN AL